Being a spectator at an illegal animal fight is now a misdemeanor crime in New York.
Most aspects of animal fights including hosting animal fights and training animals for fights are a felony, but those attending dog or cock fights only faced a minor violation and fine.
Last Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed S3237A, which makes attending a fight involving animals punishable by up to three months in prison and a $500 fine.
“Animal fighting is an extremely cruel, but lucrative, underground business,” said Debora Bresch, senior director of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Government Relations, in support of the bill.
“It is often associated with a host of other dangerous and illegal activity, including drugs, weapons and gambling, all of which pose serious threats to public safety. This law will help law enforcement by allowing them to pursue and punish the spectators who drive the market for animal fighting, keeping it alive,” Bresch continued.
The bill, sponsored by state Senators Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), Mike Ginaris (D-Astoria) and Tony Avella (D-Bayside), among others, was widely supported. It passed unanimously in the state Assembly and Senate.
The ASPCA noted that in neighboring states, including New Jersey and Connecticut, attending an animal fight is a felony. However, they welcomed the stiffer punishments now enacted for New York.
“Spectators who patronize these barbaric events in New York, merely for the entertainment of watching two animals fight to the death, deserve to be charged with a crime,” Bresch said.
In January, The Forum reported on some residents’ concerns that a dog-fighting ring was operating in Ozone Park. Several dead pit bulls, stuffed in garbage bags, were found dumped on local streets.
“This is what they do after a dog is done fighting or has lost a fight or was unwilling to fight,” said Tina, a local resident who found the dead dogs.
Residents with information about animal cruelty or fighting are urged to contact the NYPD or ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement department at 212-876-7700 extension 4450 or humanel@aspca.org.
